Eczema

Introduction – Eczema is a general term for chronic skin conditions characterized by skin inflammations that cause itching, redness, dryness, blistering, peeling, and bleeding. It is not a contagious disease. The rashes can occur on any part of the body, particularly on the face, neck, elbows, arms, legs, knees, and ankles. This condition can affect people of all ages, but it is more common in infants. Sixty percent of children develop eczema in the first year of life, while 85% of children develop eczema during their first five years.

There are many types of eczema and the most common one is atopic dermatitis, as defined below. The exact causes of eczema remain undetermined but there are certain contributing factors that are associated with the condition. These factors include certain irritants, genetic makeup, allergies and other diseases, temperature changes, and stress.

It is hard to determine the duration of the condition, but most children outgrow eczema when they get older. Skin inflammations that can cause extreme itching may lead to stress and depression. Although there is no known cure, symptoms can be managed by avoiding the factors that trigger the condition.

Those who gained remission from eczema will continue to have sensitive skin. Identifying the factors that trigger skin inflammation will prevent future flare ups. The most common irritants include detergents, lotions, soap, perfumes, and other chemicals. To prevent scarring, wear gloves to protect the skin. Avoid clothes made from synthetic fabrics as these can also trigger skin inflammations. Use mild soaps and hypoallergenic, fragrant-free lotions to keep skin moisturized.

When eczema is severe and becomes very uncomfortable to the point that it disrupts your daily activities, it is high time to seek medical advice and get proper treatment. Common medications for eczema include steroid creams and antihistamines.

Types of Eczema

Atopic dermatitis is the most common and most severe form of eczema that usually affects infants. The word “atopic” refers to diseases that occur due to allergic reactions; while the word “dermatitis” is defined as an inflammation of the skin. It usually affects those who have an atopic tendency, or those who have the tendency to develop hereditary diseases such as asthma and hay fever. Atopic dermatitis typically affects the elbows, knees, and the face; and causes the skin to become extremely itchy and swollen. In most cases, children usually get remission from the disease when they get older; and in some cases, the disease is carried on to adulthood.

Contact dermatitis is an inflammation of the skin that occurs upon skin contact with certain irritants. The most common irritants include metals, foods, plants, detergents, cosmetics, perfumes, medications, rubber, and other chemicals. Some reactions occur with repetitive use of a certain material/substance, or when exposed to direct sunlight. This type of eczema only affects the outermost layer of the skin.

Dyshidrotic eczema is an uncommon type of eczema that only affects the palms, fingers, soles, and toes. It is characterized by small and itchy fluid-filled blisters, and mostly occurs in warm weather. This type of eczema commonly recurs, and is more prevalent among women.

Nummular eczema is characterized by coin-shaped lesions that are itchy, swollen, and scaly. This type of eczema usually affects elderly men. The exact cause is unknown but there are several factors associated to the condition. These include dry skin, bacterial infections, skin irritants, and temperature changes.

Seborrheic dermatitis is a skin condition that mainly affects the oily areas of the body such as the face, scalp, and trunk of the neck. It causes flaky scales and redness. The exact causes remain unknown, but there are several contributing factors that lead to seborrheic dermatitis including a type of yeast called malassezia, stress and fatigue, extreme weather conditions, skin disorders, neurological conditions, and HIV.

Skin Care for Eczema

Like allergies, eczema tends to flare up when exposed to certain triggers.  When suffering from eczema, it is important to have a good skin care regimen to keep inflammations at bay.

• Avoid contact with products/things that irritate your skin.  The most common irritants include detergents, lotions, soap, perfumes, and other chemicals.
• Identify your triggers and eliminate them from your diet.
• Wear gloves to protect the skin from scratching and scarring.  Also keep nails short and clean.
• Wear clothes made of cotton.  Avoid clothes made from synthetic fabrics as these can also trigger skin inflammations.
• Moisturize as much as possible.  Use fragrant-free and plain moisturizers without unnecessary ingredients.
• Avoid stress.  Learn to manage stress and take time to relax.
• Drink plenty of water to flush out toxins in your body.
• When bathing, only use mild soaps and keep the water temperature cool or warm.  Avoid too much scrubbing.  Use a soft towel to pat the skin dry, and follow with a moisturizer.
• Stay away from activities that make you to sweaty.  Too much heat and sweat can cause irritation and itching.
• Maintain a skin care regimen even after your eczema has healed.  People who gained complete remission from eczema will continue to have sensitive skin.

Eczema Treatment

There is no known cure for eczema but there are medications that relieve the symptoms and prevent future outbreaks:

• Eczema No More is Forces of Nature’s 100% organic treatment made from medicinal plant extracts, it is pharmaceutical strength and comes with a full one year money back guarantee.
• Corticosteroids are used to relieve itching and inflammation.  These are topically applied to the affected area twice a day.  There are also oral corticosteroids that doctors may prescribe.
• Antihistamines reduce itching.
• Antibiotics are used in cases where there is bacterial infection on the lesions.
• Moisturizers are a significant help to those who suffer from eczema.  These help with the dryness.
• Light therapy is used to control eczema through the use of UVA and UVB.
• Essential oils such as lavender, chamomile, and geranium have natural anti-inflammatory properties that are ideal for treating eczema.
• Probiotics are live microorganisms that also help by strengthening the immune system.